President Obama invoked a traditional Christmas carol Wednesday in asking God to protect Christians endangered around the globe, particularly in areas controlled by the Islamic State.
“The wrong shall fail; the right prevail; with peace on Earth, goodwill to men,” Obama said, quoting the 1863 carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” which is based on a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem.
“In some areas of the Middle East where church bells have rung for centuries on Christmas Day, this year they will be silent,” Obama stated. “This silence bears tragic witness to the brutal atrocities committed against these communities by ISIL,” he said, using another term for the Islamic terrorist group.
Obama said that as Christmas approaches, he’s thankful to live in a country that grants religious freedom.
“At this time, those of us fortunate enough to live in countries that honor the birthright of all people to practice their faith freely give thanks for that blessing,” he stated from Hawaii, where he and his family are vacationing for two weeks. “Michelle and I are also ever-mindful that many of our fellow Christians do not enjoy that right, and hold especially close to our hearts and minds those who have been driven from their ancient homelands by unspeakable violence and persecution.”
Obama called on God to protect those who are persecuted for their faith.
“We join with people around the world in praying for God’s protection for persecuted Christians and those of other faiths, as well as for those brave men and women engaged in our military, diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering and restore stability, security and hope to their nations.”
